[ After Sizhui realizes Xue Yang has joined them... he takes up making daily visits to Xiao Xingchen daozhang. It's not because he has any illusions that he can stop Xue Yang, but because he has thought about the story that Senior Wei told them, and a part of him is very sure that one of the reasons why it ended up so badly is because Xiao Xingchen daozhang felt alone and abandoned.
He knows that the biggest part was what happened to Song Zichen daozhang, he knows that the thing that Xue Yang did went too hard against Xiao Xingchen daozhang's core, but there was always that little part where Xiao Xingchen daozhang tried so much to give to people, to help the cultivation world be better, and in the end, nobody came to help him. Sizhui knows that the cultivation world never forgot Xiao Xingchen daozhang, but what would Xiao Xingchen daozhang know about that?
He tries to make sure he shows up when Xue Yang is elsewhere, however brief that time might be, and brings small things. ]
Daozhang, this is Lan Sizhui. I have brought you some fresh tea.
[ Announcing himself before he approaches is good, right? ]
[While everyone else may be walking on eggshells around Xingchen, or simply know more than he does, he's just happy to have one of his friends near again, even if he'd rather none of them get mixed up in all this trouble. He can handle falling into strange situations, but he worries about his wards, his closest companions being here.
All things considered, and compared to what he's experienced back home, this isn't the worst life. Confusing, sure, and pretty lonely up until recently, but still with opportunities for him to help, almost like the old days.
And when he hears a now-familiar voice call out to him, he smiles. While he's grown hesitant to make too many close friends after...everything, it's still nice to have a social network outside of two other people. Xingchen was always more social than Song Lan was.
He's sitting near a campfire, just stretching out his legs in front of him. His friend has wandered off, though probably not too far; he's very protective of Xingchen, a trait a lot of people tend to share for some reason, and usually comes back to cling to him relatively quickly. But Lan Sizhui is a welcome change, or rather an addition, to the daily routine, it seems.]
Kind as always, Lan-gongzi. Thank you.
[He pulls his legs back and sits up more properly.]
I must admit, though, sometimes it feels like I'm an old grandfather being doted on. Which doesn't feel right, if my suspicions are correct. I don't think you're that much younger than me.
[ Sizhui settles nearby, and pours the tea he has brought. ]
On the one hand, right now not very. On the other hand, I was maybe three years old when the Yiling Patriarch passed, so no more than a toddler when you came down the mountain. So I grew up with stories about you. Not quite as a grandfather, but someone I greatly respect.
[ There is no lie about this answer, so Sizhui's voice doesn't waver or hesitate. ]
[Xue Yang has always been a light sleeper and circumstances haven't changed that. He often doesn't like getting up in the morning, but that's a different matter. As it is, he's spent most of the night looking at Xiao Xingchen, watching his chest rice and fall, closing his eyes and focusing on his warmth.
Dawn is creeping up by the time he leans in and presses his lips against his throat, where he knows a cut to be. He sucks some skin between his teeth, but doesn't bite down. He wants to mark him, wants something to be there, as if it could keep the cut from ever appearing.
His hands are on Xingchen's shoulders and he leans over him, anticipating that he will win up. His eyes are closed and he does what he can to think of nothing but the moment. Nothing but him, alive and under him.]
[While his companion struggles to find rest, Xingchen fares much better. The ground is hardly comfortable, but after traveling the world as a rogue cultivator and then settling down in the coffin home, he's gotten used to sleeping in places most people would consider inhospitable. This strange world is just the latest in the list of odd places he's laid his head, but he still manages to find sleep.
That is until something starts to drag him back to consciousness. It's distant, at first, as if trying to get to him through thick murkiness, but then he registers...not pain, but some kind of discomfort. At his neck.
Which isn't good.
Xingchen might not have the best self-preservation skills, but some things are just naturally innate. Something is at his neck and it really probably shouldn't be there. A groggy, confused noise sticks in his throat and he slowly lifts his hands to push at whatever is attacking him, only to find quite a large presence there instead. His hands clumsily get an idea of its shape. Human, he thinks.
[The words are whispered against his neck and Xue Yang's hands quickly find their way to encircle Xingchen's wrist, to hopefully discourage him from pushing him off, should his voice not be enough. It's not too tight a grip, he isn't pinning him, because - truthfully - he wants him to want him there.
Although by now he's no longer marking him, just looking at the mark he has left, faintly as he can make it out in the dim light, but still clear enough against Xingchen's pale skin.]
Did you sleep well?
[The question is so innocent, as if nothing unusual has happened, as if nothing unusual is happening still, while he lays on top of him, hands around his wrists, lips still so close to his throat.]
( has xue yang's obsession failed in this, or passed through other hands, to make its welcome? he doesn't know, he's had too much to fight for in a flight against birds born of a forest of dead and reaching animals. )
Wen Qing has taken what we've gathered and decocted the antidote from it, and that includes your dose, should Sizhui find his needed elsewhere.
( which is more leaving it open so ... they can deliver their antidote, handwaved as may be needed, but the point is: compromise offered, not accepted. )
Greetings, friend. It has come to my attention that you are a supporter of Macaluso as well. Will you tell me your opinion of our Duke's niece? Your answer will be relayed to don Bonaccorso this afternoon.
[Thankfully, the pendants they've been given in Taravast are able to read written messages aloud. It takes Xingchen some fumbling to get to this point, of course, but he manages it eventually.
And will not text Jin Guangyao back, thank you very much. But he'll still answer.]
I am afraid I would not be the wisest person to ask about either his niece or his nephew. I have not had pleasant dealings with either of them nor do I hold a high opinion of one over the other.
[Xiao Xingchen receives a message. But not over the network or by any conventional means. Instead it comes as a small flower, made of spiritual energy, familiar in that is is the same that had guided his brush weeks ago. A small speck, its shape clear if he were to touch it, at least, for a moment, before it glows and Chu Wanning's voice sounds from it.]
Come see me.
[...and there's no further clarification. He gives an address and that's about it. It's just the the place he's been staying. Why are you here? Maybe he'll explain when you go inside.]
[The energy finds him and the familiarity tugs at Xingchen, though it doesn't feel as if the man is there with him. Or, if he is, he's very quiet. But he focuses, seeking out that presence, small, and reaches out for it.
The voice is also familiar, if confusing - Xingchen thought he wasn't here? - but whatever is happening isn't impossible to fathom. The man had seemed curious enough in trying new things, so this must be of the same vein. He smiles slightly, the words curt and to the point, and keeps the given address in mind as he makes his way to the room.
When he gets to what he hopes is the correct place, Xingchen calls out.]
[He'd, instead, cast a barrier, which he took down right before calling out.
His place looks ransacked, which is at odds with the way he dressed and looked, giving an impression of being very proper. He'd shoved the piles aside a little, enough to make a path for someone who can't see and might trip to walk, from the door to where he was sitting at the table.
The piles at the side of this makeshift walkway aren't ridiculously high, but high enough certainly that should prevent anyone from stepping over or on them without noticing.]
[Nothing else really matters when there's danger and he's looking for Xingchen.
It's not hard to find him either, because he stands out. Especially to Xue Yang, who only has to see him move from the corner of his eyes to feel everything inside him come to life. Easy to find for Xue Yang, who has to make himself avoid him if he's to do anything but shadow him all day and night.
So he's done it for a while, mostly successfully, but with the chaos threatening, any attempt is discarded.
He finds Xingchen as he walks down a street and he makes his way there. Timing it just right, he intercepts him as he's about to pass an alley. Instead he shoves him into said alley, using every advantage he has - mostly the element of surprise and working eyes - to overwhelm him. He tries to grab both his wrists, so he can pin them against the wall, wondering how much of a realistic chance he has of holding Xingchen for long.
Not that much, if he plays fair. So what good would it do to play fair?]
Daozhang~ [His voice a slightly mocking whisper and his body pressed too close.] Please draw attention. I want to kill people.
[Xingchen counts himself lucky having not run into Xue Yang for a while. That doesn't mean he relaxes entirely, of course, because it wouldn't surprise him if Xue Yang were out there, keeping him in his sights. Still, it's something, having time away from that man.
Except, as he wanders the quieter streets looking for any way he can help those who have been interrupted by the protests and the chaos, it seems his luck has run out. But he still lets his attacker push him against the wall, not wanting to hurt anyone if he doesn't have to. He's already been accosted once during all this madness, so he isn't even really surprised. At least so far no is trying to steal Shuanghua.
But while he's not exactly relaxed in this situation, that voice definitely makes it all worse. Though, he's confused, too. Why hasn't Xue Yang just gone out and killed people on his own? Why is he asking Xingchen for permission, basically?
Ah, but it's Xue Yang. He's probably just playing with Xingchen. Who is to say he hasn't killed anyone without Xingchen knowing? He sighs, trying to keep himself calm.]
[Simple enough, his smile is as audible as ever. So is his breath hitching as he lets it sink in, the reality of being this close to Xingchen again. He can feel his warmth and it is as if he hasn't felt warm since the last time he's been pressed up against him.
What does he want, though? Nothing much. Everything. For now he feels content just enjoying the moment, even as his grip on Xingchen's wrists tightens.]
I've heard things about you... Do you miss me that much then?
[...Oh! This is a pleasant surprise, and simply pleasant after their entire trek to get here. As he speaks, he's already walking to the door to collect his gift.]
Hanguang-jun need not beg anything of this one. He is always welcome at my door.
( Stilted, restrained, his off his breath no more than the steeped guilty of neglecting formalities in ways master Xiao Xingchen notes with dignity. Conversation must be bartered, begged. These transmitters, like letters, only submit the invitation.
He feels no better than the petitioners who grazed at the rims of his robes, clawing his silks for an audience. )
It is very kind of you to ask after me, A-Jie. I am well, if still trying to catch my balance, so to speak. I hope you have come out of our latest adventure better?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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He knows that the biggest part was what happened to Song Zichen daozhang, he knows that the thing that Xue Yang did went too hard against Xiao Xingchen daozhang's core, but there was always that little part where Xiao Xingchen daozhang tried so much to give to people, to help the cultivation world be better, and in the end, nobody came to help him. Sizhui knows that the cultivation world never forgot Xiao Xingchen daozhang, but what would Xiao Xingchen daozhang know about that?
He tries to make sure he shows up when Xue Yang is elsewhere, however brief that time might be, and brings small things. ]
Daozhang, this is Lan Sizhui. I have brought you some fresh tea.
[ Announcing himself before he approaches is good, right? ]
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All things considered, and compared to what he's experienced back home, this isn't the worst life. Confusing, sure, and pretty lonely up until recently, but still with opportunities for him to help, almost like the old days.
And when he hears a now-familiar voice call out to him, he smiles. While he's grown hesitant to make too many close friends after...everything, it's still nice to have a social network outside of two other people. Xingchen was always more social than Song Lan was.
He's sitting near a campfire, just stretching out his legs in front of him. His friend has wandered off, though probably not too far; he's very protective of Xingchen, a trait a lot of people tend to share for some reason, and usually comes back to cling to him relatively quickly. But Lan Sizhui is a welcome change, or rather an addition, to the daily routine, it seems.]
Kind as always, Lan-gongzi. Thank you.
[He pulls his legs back and sits up more properly.]
I must admit, though, sometimes it feels like I'm an old grandfather being doted on. Which doesn't feel right, if my suspicions are correct. I don't think you're that much younger than me.
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[ Sizhui settles nearby, and pours the tea he has brought. ]
On the one hand, right now not very. On the other hand, I was maybe three years old when the Yiling Patriarch passed, so no more than a toddler when you came down the mountain. So I grew up with stories about you. Not quite as a grandfather, but someone I greatly respect.
[ There is no lie about this answer, so Sizhui's voice doesn't waver or hesitate. ]
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Dawn is creeping up by the time he leans in and presses his lips against his throat, where he knows a cut to be. He sucks some skin between his teeth, but doesn't bite down. He wants to mark him, wants something to be there, as if it could keep the cut from ever appearing.
His hands are on Xingchen's shoulders and he leans over him, anticipating that he will win up. His eyes are closed and he does what he can to think of nothing but the moment. Nothing but him, alive and under him.]
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That is until something starts to drag him back to consciousness. It's distant, at first, as if trying to get to him through thick murkiness, but then he registers...not pain, but some kind of discomfort. At his neck.
Which isn't good.
Xingchen might not have the best self-preservation skills, but some things are just naturally innate. Something is at his neck and it really probably shouldn't be there. A groggy, confused noise sticks in his throat and he slowly lifts his hands to push at whatever is attacking him, only to find quite a large presence there instead. His hands clumsily get an idea of its shape. Human, he thinks.
And that's just odd, isn't it?]
...What?
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[The words are whispered against his neck and Xue Yang's hands quickly find their way to encircle Xingchen's wrist, to hopefully discourage him from pushing him off, should his voice not be enough. It's not too tight a grip, he isn't pinning him, because - truthfully - he wants him to want him there.
Although by now he's no longer marking him, just looking at the mark he has left, faintly as he can make it out in the dim light, but still clear enough against Xingchen's pale skin.]
Did you sleep well?
[The question is so innocent, as if nothing unusual has happened, as if nothing unusual is happening still, while he lays on top of him, hands around his wrists, lips still so close to his throat.]
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should we warn for horny? we should probably warn for horny.
BE WARNED FOR HORNY!!!
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( has xue yang's obsession failed in this, or passed through other hands, to make its welcome? he doesn't know, he's had too much to fight for in a flight against birds born of a forest of dead and reaching animals. )
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[Regardless of what Xue Yang has done or accomplished, Xingchen has held himself back and the tiredness in his voice should tell Wei Wuxian as much.]
Have you been able to procure any treatment? If so, see to the others who are also poisoned first.
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( which is more leaving it open so ... they can deliver their antidote, handwaved as may be needed, but the point is: compromise offered, not accepted. )
Where are you at present?
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cw for passive suicidal ideation
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cw some more of the same this boy needs therapy
/psychosomatic, that boy needs therapy/
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cw: surgery??? noncon organ donations ig
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cw: some body horror/torture? mentions? non-explicit
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[Text; UN: Lianfang-Zun]
Thank you kindly.
Jin Guangyao
audio;
And will not text Jin Guangyao back, thank you very much. But he'll still answer.]
I am afraid I would not be the wisest person to ask about either his niece or his nephew. I have not had pleasant dealings with either of them nor do I hold a high opinion of one over the other.
audio;
That is precisely why I wish to speak with you, Daozhang Xingchen. Tell me of your experiences if you do not mind?
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Come see me.
[...and there's no further clarification. He gives an address and that's about it. It's just the the place he's been staying. Why are you here? Maybe he'll explain when you go inside.]
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The voice is also familiar, if confusing - Xingchen thought he wasn't here? - but whatever is happening isn't impossible to fathom. The man had seemed curious enough in trying new things, so this must be of the same vein. He smiles slightly, the words curt and to the point, and keeps the given address in mind as he makes his way to the room.
When he gets to what he hopes is the correct place, Xingchen calls out.]
You asked for me?
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[He'd, instead, cast a barrier, which he took down right before calling out.
His place looks ransacked, which is at odds with the way he dressed and looked, giving an impression of being very proper. He'd shoved the piles aside a little, enough to make a path for someone who can't see and might trip to walk, from the door to where he was sitting at the table.
The piles at the side of this makeshift walkway aren't ridiculously high, but high enough certainly that should prevent anyone from stepping over or on them without noticing.]
Get over here. I have something for you.
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It's not hard to find him either, because he stands out. Especially to Xue Yang, who only has to see him move from the corner of his eyes to feel everything inside him come to life. Easy to find for Xue Yang, who has to make himself avoid him if he's to do anything but shadow him all day and night.
So he's done it for a while, mostly successfully, but with the chaos threatening, any attempt is discarded.
He finds Xingchen as he walks down a street and he makes his way there. Timing it just right, he intercepts him as he's about to pass an alley. Instead he shoves him into said alley, using every advantage he has - mostly the element of surprise and working eyes - to overwhelm him. He tries to grab both his wrists, so he can pin them against the wall, wondering how much of a realistic chance he has of holding Xingchen for long.
Not that much, if he plays fair. So what good would it do to play fair?]
Daozhang~ [His voice a slightly mocking whisper and his body pressed too close.] Please draw attention. I want to kill people.
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Except, as he wanders the quieter streets looking for any way he can help those who have been interrupted by the protests and the chaos, it seems his luck has run out. But he still lets his attacker push him against the wall, not wanting to hurt anyone if he doesn't have to. He's already been accosted once during all this madness, so he isn't even really surprised. At least so far no is trying to steal Shuanghua.
But while he's not exactly relaxed in this situation, that voice definitely makes it all worse. Though, he's confused, too. Why hasn't Xue Yang just gone out and killed people on his own? Why is he asking Xingchen for permission, basically?
Ah, but it's Xue Yang. He's probably just playing with Xingchen. Who is to say he hasn't killed anyone without Xingchen knowing? He sighs, trying to keep himself calm.]
Let me go.
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[Simple enough, his smile is as audible as ever. So is his breath hitching as he lets it sink in, the reality of being this close to Xingchen again. He can feel his warmth and it is as if he hasn't felt warm since the last time he's been pressed up against him.
What does he want, though? Nothing much. Everything. For now he feels content just enjoying the moment, even as his grip on Xingchen's wrists tightens.]
I've heard things about you... Do you miss me that much then?
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cw: suicidal ideation, attempted asphyxiation
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un: absterge | after arriving at the lighthouse
( Hours past their arrival, enjoy the Lan style of communication: )
Daozhang, I beg unworthily. ( As... one does of an infamous cultivator. ) Fresh tea at your door. Drink well.
( Tea from fresh mint leaf from the garden. )
un: daozhang | audio
Hanguang-jun need not beg anything of this one. He is always welcome at my door.
[A pause.]
Might you stay a moment?
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He feels no better than the petitioners who grazed at the rims of his robes, clawing his silks for an audience. )
Daozhang honours me. I hear him.
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un: chengmei | voice
[For whatever reason, he contacts him like this. Isn't it better than stalking him? Isn't it better than appearing out of nowhere?
Good questions.]
Are you well?
voice;
But at least there is some distance between them this way. It gives him a moment to collect himself without worrying about his actual appearance.]
As well as one can be here.
voice;
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voice;
voice;
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un: nutcracker (text) post unwinding
un: daozhang | voice;
oops should have been voice from the start but she's kinda thick sometimes so let's roll with it lol
it's fine it's ok no one remembers the blind guy being blind ;)